Synyster Gateshttp://www.guitarworld.com/taxonomy/term/854/all
enAvenged Sevenfold Guitarist Synyster Gates' 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide — Mayhem Festhttp://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfold-guitarist-synyster-gates-2014-summer-tour-survival-guide
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>In this new feature from the August 2014 issue of <em>Guitar World</em>, the guitarists of Avenged Sevenfold, Morbid Angel, Trivium and other metal acts tell how they'll beat the heat and tame the crowds on the season's biggest tours.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>TODAY: Avenged Sevenfold Guitarist Synyster Gates — MAYHEM FEST</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Your sweatiest concert ever?</strong></p>
<p>Definitely the 2004 Warped Tour when we played in Arizona. I think it got up to 127 degrees, and I remember feeling like I was going to faint. Just god awful. So we drank a bunch of margaritas to keep us extremely sedated. </p>
<p><strong>Considerations when playing an outdoor show versus an indoor show?</strong></p>
<p>Nothing at all. We just go out there and have a lot of fun. I mean, the only time you’re ever worried about anything is if there are extreme elements, like rain or crazy wind. </p>
<p><strong>Primary gear you’ll be playing this summer?</strong></p>
<p>My gear is pretty easy. I usually play through my Hellwin amp and signature guitar [Schecter Synyster Custom]. I’m not a big effects sort of guy—I like to keep it simple. </p>
<p><strong>One item you will carry with you at all times this summer?</strong></p>
<p>A ProTools rig strapped to my back, literally. It keeps me sane, writing a bunch of different stuff like classical stuff or any guitar stuff. I don’t like being locked in a cage on the creative scale. I need an outlet. </p>
<p><strong>Highlight of your band’s set list?</strong></p>
<p>I’m really excited about the reaction “This Means War” [from 2013’s <em>Hail to the King</em>] is getting these days. That’s a real fun song to play, and I like the grooves and riffs.</p>
<p><strong>Tips for winning over a tough crowd?</strong></p>
<p>You just have to be confident. Don’t give ’em anything to further their disapproval. Just go up there, rock out, and act like it’s a base of your fans. And don’t scream and yell at them. </p>
<p><strong>Advice for a band just starting to play live?</strong></p>
<p>Just go up there and enjoy it, because it’s a really special thing to be able to do. We interact with the crowd, turn it into a party. I wouldn’t worry about the performance or having a stiff and ridged structure for the show. If you keep it loose, you’ll find yourself, eventually. </p>
<p><em>Photo: David Wolff — Patrick/Redferns/Getty Images</em></p>
<p>Watch the video for "Hail to the King" here:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DelhLppPSxY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfold-guitarist-synyster-gates-2014-summer-tour-survival-guide#comments2014 Summer Tour Survival GuideAugust 2014Avenged SevenfoldSynyster GatesInterviewsNewsFeaturesWed, 02 Jul 2014 16:04:33 +0000Sammi Chichesterhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/21724Avenged Sevenfold's Synyster Gates Plays Gypsy Jazz at Guitar Center Hollywood — Videohttp://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfolds-synyster-gates-plays-gypsy-jazz-guitar-center-hollywood-video
<!--paging_filter--><p>As part of Guitar Center's Master Class artist program, 10 winners from around the U.S. were chosen by Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates to attend a private master class at Guitar Center Hollywood. </p>
<p>At the class, Gates discussed his technique, background and more — and, of course, he played plenty of guitar for the attendees. In fact, in the just-posted (June 5) clip below, Gates actually surprises the crowd by performing some mighty convincing gypsy jazz guitar. Check it out below — and be sure to tell us what you think in the comments or on Facebook. </p>
<p>“Avenged Sevenfold has always been a band that champions musicality,” said Gates about the class. “I’m passionate about the art of guitar, and this Master Class is the perfect opportunity to help further the skills and careers of like-minded musicians.”</p>
<p>By the way, if you'd like to check out more high-quality gypsy jazz guitar, be sure to check out <a href="http://stephanewrembel.com/">Stephane Wrembel</a> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPN7J369RNI">or at least listen to "Bistro Fada,"</a> his most popular tune).</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DzOV_FBVORk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfolds-synyster-gates-plays-gypsy-jazz-guitar-center-hollywood-video#commentsAvenged SevenfoldGuitar CenterSynyster GatesVideosNewsFri, 06 Jun 2014 19:09:20 +0000Damian Fanellihttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/21484Avenged Sevenfold Guitarist Synyster Gates Performs and Discusses His Technique at Guitar Center Hollywood — Videohttp://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfold-guitarist-synyster-gates-performs-and-discusses-his-technique-guitar-center-hollywood-video
<!--paging_filter--><p>In May, Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates headed to Guitar Center Hollywood to present his Master Class with Synyster Gates, a program developed to recognize and reward musicians with the opportunity to learn from a famous guitarist in an engaging setting. </p>
<p>Out of thousands of submissions from across the country, 10 people were handpicked by Gates to fly out to the intimate Los Angeles master class.</p>
<p>“Avenged Sevenfold has always been a band that champions musicality,” Gates said. “I’m passionate about the art of guitar, and this Master Class is the perfect opportunity to help further the skills and careers of like-minded musicians.”</p>
<p>Check out the clip from the Master Class below, and let us know what you think in the comments or on Facebook. Avenged Sevenfold will be on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest this summer.</p>
<p>The Master Class was presented in conjunction with Guitar Center and Schecter Guitar Research.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pYJ2i9vzvQ4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfold-guitarist-synyster-gates-performs-and-discusses-his-technique-guitar-center-hollywood-video#commentsAvenged SevenfoldGuitar CenterSynyster GatesVideosNewsTue, 03 Jun 2014 11:43:31 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/21429Golden Gods: Ace Frehley and Zakk Wylde Present Best Guitarist Award to Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance; Black Sabbath Win Album of the Yearhttp://www.guitarworld.com/golden-gods-ace-frehley-and-zakk-wylde-present-best-guitarist-award-synyster-gates-and-zacky-vengeance-black-sabbath-iommi
<!--paging_filter--><p>This past Wednesday night, April 23, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Zakk Wylde and Ace Frehley presented the first-ever Dimebag Darrell Best Guitarist Award.</p>
<p>The nominees included Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, Zoltan Bathory &amp; Jason Hook of Five Finger Death Punch, Munky &amp; Head of Korn and Synyster Gates &amp; Zacky Vengeance of Avenged Sevenfold.</p>
<p>Find out who wins in the video below, which also happens to include the presentation of the annual Album of the Year award. This year, the honor went to none other than Black Sabbath. On hand to accept the award was the Iron Man himself, Tony Iommi.</p>
<p>Let us know what you think in the comments or on Facebook!</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QrRCDTKRRC0?list=UU_tKHpo6xYpwdIRC4uotmuQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/golden-gods-ace-frehley-and-zakk-wylde-present-best-guitarist-award-synyster-gates-and-zacky-vengeance-black-sabbath-iommi#comments2014 Golden GodsAce FrehleyAvenged SevenfoldSynyster GatesTony IommiZacky VengeanceZakk WyldeVideosNewsFri, 25 Apr 2014 15:43:53 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/21105Review: Schecter USA Hellwin 100 Guitar Amphttp://www.guitarworld.com/review-schecter-usa-hellwin-100-guitar-amp
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>The following content is related to the October 2013 issue of </em>Guitar World<em>. For the full range of interviews, features, tabs and more, pick up the new issue on newsstands now, or in our <a href="http://store.guitarworld.com/collections/guitar-world/products/guitar-world-october-13-avenged-sevenfold/?&amp;utm_source=gw_homepage&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=OctoberVideosPage">online store</a>.</em></p>
<p>For several decades, Schecter has built, nurtured and sustained its reputation as a maker of great electric guitars and basses, but recently the company entered an entirely new chapter with the introduction of its first line of amps. </p>
<p>However, Schecter is not entirely new to the amp business, as it has enlisted the formidable talents of a particular Mr. James Brown—not the deceased godfather of soul, but rather the amp tweaker of sound, known for designing several of the most popular amps of the last two decades, including the 5150 and JSX. Currently, Schecter offers three USA models—the Hellraiser 100 head and 2x12 combo and the top-of-the-line Hellwin 100 head—with less-expensive imported Stage Series models of these amps expected to ship later this year.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfolds-synyster-gates-and-zacky-vengeance-discuss-their-hard-rock-influenced-new-album-hail-king">[[ Avenged Sevenfold's Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance Discuss Their Hard Rock-Influenced New Album, 'Hail to the King' ]]</a></strong></p>
<p>The Schecter Hellwin USA 100 head is the product of a collaboration between Brown and Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates. Their main goal was to combine the sounds of several of Gates’ favorite amps in a single head with a versatile three-channel design, an impressive assortment of truly professional features and even a few new innovations. </p>
<p><strong>Features</strong> </p>
<p>The Schecter Hellwin USA 100 is a 100-watt amp head driven by four EL34 tubes in the output section and four 12AX7 tubes in the preamp section, with the tubes, heavy-duty transformers and other components kept cool by a noise-free fan that runs as soon as the power is switched on. While the front panel boasts an abundance of knobs (20, to be exact), the controls are logically arranged in separate sections for Clean, Lead I, Lead II and Master, with the built-in noise gate and focus controls occupying their own separate space as well. </p>
<p>Controls for the Clean, Lead I and Lead II sections are identical and fully independent, consisting of treble, middle, bass, volume and gain knobs. The Clean channel also features a voicing switch that toggles between U.K. and U.S.A. settings, with an LED that illuminates red for U.K. or green for U.S.A. The Master section provides controls for master, presence and boost, a switch for engaging the boost function, a MIDI learn switch and an effect loop on/off switch. The noise gate is adjusted with a single knob, and the focus switch offers four modes (Tight, Normal, VII, and VIII) that alter the input frequency, attack response and preamp EQ frequencies to match six-, seven- and eight-string guitars plugged into the amp. The Hellwin USA 100 also offers a normal 1/4-inch guitar input and a unique active input designed to deliver optimal tonal response with active pickups.</p>
<p>The amp’s rear panel offers similarly sophisticated features with a straightforward, logical layout. An impedance selector switch provides a choice of four-, eight- or 16-ohm output and is located next to a pair of 1/4-inch speaker output jacks. There’s also an XLR direct output with a ground-lift switch and a DI cabinet select switch that emulates either a straight-front 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers or a slant-front 4x12 cab with the same speakers. The mono effect loop features 1/4-inch send and return jacks along with individual send and return level controls. A five-switch footswitch controller plugs into the amp’s 1/4-inch footswitch jack with a standard stereo cable, allowing guitarists to engage the Clean, Lead I, and Lead II channels as well as the boost function and effect loop.</p>
<p><strong>Performance</strong> </p>
<p>Even if you’re familiar with Mr. Brown’s previous creations, prepare to be pleasantly surprised yet again when you plug into the Hellwin USA 100. While the controls and layout are deceptively simple, a wide variety of outstanding tones can be coaxed from the amp with a few tweaks. The Clean channel provides fat midrange punch with the U.S.A. voicing, and if you select U.K. voicing and crank up the gain, it barks out aggressive overdrive crunch. Both of the Lead channels have more than ample gain, but thanks to their sweetly tuned EQ sections, the sound never gets buzzy or fuzzy. Lead I has the bite and grit of a modded JCM800, while Lead II provides an ample extra helping of gain, sustain and midrange, which makes it ideal for big, fat bold solos. The noise gate only operates with the two Lead channels, keeping both channels entirely noise free while preserving natural decay.</p>
<p><strong>List Price</strong> $3,699</p>
<p><strong>Manufacturer</strong> Schecter Guitar Research, schecterguitars.com</p>
<p><strong>Cheat Sheet</strong></p>
<p>Three individually voice channels provide their own independent treble, middle, bass, volume and gain controls, along with a voice switch for the Clean channel.</p>
<p>The Clean channel’s voice switch offers a selection of U.K. (scooped-mid) or U.S.A. (mid-enhanced) settings.</p>
<p>A built-in noise gate is controlled with a single knob, allowing the Lead I and Lead II channels to deliver noise-free performance with natural decay.</p>
<p>The focus switch allows users to optimize the attack and preamp EQ for six-, seven- or eight-string guitars.</p>
<p><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></p>
<p>Schecter’s amp line makes a hell of a debut with the Hellwin USA 100 and its versatile selection of tones, professional features and useful new innovations, which make it stand out and above in today’s very crowded amp-head market.</p>
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--><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script><!-- End of Brightcove Player --><!-- End of Brightcove Player -->http://www.guitarworld.com/review-schecter-usa-hellwin-100-guitar-amp#commentsAvenged SevenfoldOctober 2013SchecterSynyster GatesAmpsNewsGearMagazineThu, 15 Aug 2013 12:00:40 +0000Chris Gill, Video by Paul Riariohttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/18998Avenged Sevenfold's Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance Discuss Their Hard Rock-Influenced New Album, 'Hail to the King'http://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfolds-synyster-gates-and-zacky-vengeance-discuss-their-hard-rock-influenced-new-album-hail-king
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>This is an excerpt from the October 2013 issue of </em>Guitar World<em> magazine. For the rest of this story, plus a Dimebag Darrell poster and features on Mick Mars, Buddy Guy, the Mayhem Festival, Yngwie Malmsteen, a guide to 15 fantastic electric guitars for less than $500 and more, <a href="http://store.guitarworld.com/collections/guitar-world/products/guitar-world-october-13-avenged-sevenfold/?&amp;utm_source=gw_homepage&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=AvengedExcerpt">check out the October 2013 issue at the Guitar World Online Store.</a></em></p>
<p><strong>Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll: After a yearlong hiatus, Avenged Sevenfold come back stronger than ever with <em>Hail to the King</em>, their new hard rock–influenced album.</strong></p>
<p>“I gotta admit, today is a little nerve racking,” Zacky Vengeance says, speaking to <em>Guitar World</em> on a hot July afternoon in Los Angeles. </p>
<p>The guitarist is preparing to head to rehearsal with his bandmates in Avenged Sevenfold, something he has done hundreds of times over their 14 years together. It wouldn’t be cause for anxiety except that, this time, things are a little different. According to Vengeance, Avenged haven’t performed live in more than a year, the longest such stretch of their career. </p>
<p>But with a new album in the can—their eagerly anticipated sixth full-length, <em>Hail to the King</em>—and a world tour in the works, today is, he says, “day one of pretty much starting the cycle again. We’re going straight from doing not a whole lot of anything to going at it full force.”</p>
<p>But while Vengeance is eager to get back to work with Avenged, he admits that the extended break was much needed. “It was kind of a planned thing,” he says. “We needed some time to refresh, regroup and look back on everything we’ve been through.” And indeed, Avenged Sevenfold—singer M. Shadows (Matt Sanders), guitarists Vengeance (Zachary Baker) and Synyster Gates (Brian Haner, Jr.), bassist Johnny Christ (Jonathan Seward) and new drummer Arin Ilejay—have been through a lot, to put it mildly. It could be said that the band’s recent collective experience has been something of, to paraphrase Charles Dickens, the best of times, and the worst of times. </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/review-schecter-usa-hellwin-100-guitar-amp">[[ Review: Schecter's USA Hellwin 100 Guitar Amp, the Product of a Collaboration Between Schecter and Avenged Sevenfold's Synyster Gates ]]</a></strong></p>
<p>Their lowest point is now an indelible part of the band’s narrative. At the tail end of 2009, while they were enjoying some time off to celebrate the holidays before settling in to record their fifth studio album, founding drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan was found dead in his home at the age of 28, from what was ruled to be an accidental overdose of prescription drugs and alcohol. It was also discovered that he had a heart condition known as cardiomegaly, which may have played a role in his death. For any band, suddenly losing one of its own would be a devastating blow; for Avenged Sevenfold, whose members grew up together and had been friends and schoolmates, the loss was a tragedy of almost insurmountable proportions. </p>
<p>“Were we close to the end at a certain point?” Gates posits. “Yeah, absolutely.” But, he adds, “We also realized we needed each other more than ever.” </p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iU9YM1Lfvt8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Avenged Sevenfold eventually regrouped, but a rocky road lay ahead. Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy came onboard to assist with the recording of what would become Nightmare, and to accompany the band on the ensuing tour. But the pairing soon proved incongruous: Portnoy seemed to want a permanent position with the group and, in a possibly related move, walked away from Dream Theater, his prog-metal outfit of more than two decades. </p>
<p>But Avenged, still reeling from Sullivan’s death, weren’t ready to commit fully. Instead, they parted ways with Portnoy and began searching yet again for a drummer. They eventually hooked up with Ilejay, a then-unknown 22-year-old who had previously played with Christian metalcore act Confide, but there was no guarantee his position with the group was secure. “It was just a hard moment for anybody new to come into our camp,” Vengeance says. “Because we couldn’t imagine any drummer filling that spot.”</p>
<p>Yet, while Avenged were struggling to stay together, Nightmare—an album borne from profound pain and despair, and one that almost didn’t come to be at all—was proving to be their biggest record to date. It topped the <em>Billboard</em> album charts upon its release in July 2010, becoming their first Number One record. It has since gone on to sell more than 500,000 copies. On the road, Avenged found themselves playing to some of the biggest crowds of their career, appearing at massive Euro fests, like Rock Am Ring in Germany and Download in the U.K., and embarking on multiple headlining runs across the U.S., including as a bill topper for the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. </p>
<p>“We were basically experiencing the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows, all encompassed in the span of two years,” Vengeance says. “Losing Jimmy, recording the album, getting back on the road, dealing with different drummers and then ultimately becoming a bigger band than we’d ever been… It was a lot to take in.”</p>
<p>Apart from a short international tour of Southeast Asia and other far-flung locales in early 2012, and an appearance at Metallica’s inaugural Orion Music + More festival, Avenged spent much of the last year in hibernation. In the fall, they found time to cut one new song, a bracing, Euro-style power-metal throwback called “Carry On,” which appeared in the video game <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II.</em></p>
<p>But if any fans took that as a harbinger of the group’s new musical direction, they were sorely misled. <em>Hail to the King</em> is a different animal entirely—not just from “Carry On” but from any of the band’s previous albums. On recent offerings like 2005’s <em>City of Evil</em>, 2007’s self-titled effort and <em>Nightmare</em>, Avenged seemed to take pleasure in packing as much rollercoaster riffage, racing dual-guitar harmonies and double-bass drum-fueled rhythms as possible into every piece of music. </p>
<p>But on <em>Hail to the King</em>, they opted to strip things down. “The goal was to focus more on the groove and the songwriting and the arrangements,” Gates says. “We wanted to create space instead of just filling every song up to the brim with shit—to keep that same depth, but without having to always have four bridges and three choruses and multiple vocal harmonies and guitar duels everywhere.”</p>
<p><em>Photo: Jason Borucki</em></p>
<p><strong><em>For the rest of this story, plus a Dimebag Darrell poster and features on Mick Mars, Buddy Guy, the Mayhem Festival, Yngwie Malmsteen, a guide to 15 fantastic electric guitars for less than $500 and more, <a href="http://store.guitarworld.com/collections/guitar-world/products/guitar-world-october-13-avenged-sevenfold/?&amp;utm_source=gw_homepage&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=AvengedExcerpt">check out the October 2013 issue at the Guitar World Online Store.</a></em></strong></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/October2013.jpg" width="620" height="807" alt="October2013.jpg" /></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfolds-synyster-gates-and-zacky-vengeance-discuss-their-hard-rock-influenced-new-album-hail-king#commentsAvenged SevenfoldOctober 2013Synyster GatesZacky VengeanceInterviewsNewsFeaturesThu, 15 Aug 2013 11:57:00 +0000Richard Bienstockhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/19029Synyster Gates, Guitar Center, Schecter and Ernie Ball Launch Ultimate Master Class Fly Away with Synyster Gates Contesthttp://www.guitarworld.com/synyster-gates-guitar-center-schecter-and-ernie-ball-launch-ultimate-master-class-fly-away-synyster-gates-contest
<!--paging_filter--><p>Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates has teamed up with Guitar Center, Schecter Guitars and Ernie Ball to launch the "Ultimate Master Class Fly Away with Synyster Gates" contest.</p>
<p>Start by downloading seven backing tracks by Avenged Sevenfold — and then make videos of yourself playing along to the tracks.</p>
<p>Gates will listen to the submissions that are ranked highest by the social media audience. Gates will then select the winners and their guests to be flown to Los Angeles to attend an incredible master class by the Avenged Sevenfold shredder himself. </p>
<p>Winners will receive:</p>
<p>• VIP trip to Los Angeles with a guest to attend a master class with Gates in the Guitar Center Hollywood Vintage Room<br />
• Schecter Guitars Synyster Gates special electric guitar<br />
• A behind-the-scenes tour of the Schecter factory and custom shop<br />
• Ernie Ball accessory prize pack. </p>
<p>To download the backing tracks — and to find out how to enter the Master Class contest (and to read the official rules and regulations) — visit <a href="http://a7x.yoov.io/">Guitarcenter.com/a7x</a>.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JmV_nnxT1qU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/synyster-gates-guitar-center-schecter-and-ernie-ball-launch-ultimate-master-class-fly-away-synyster-gates-contest#commentsAvenged SevenfoldErnie BallGuitar CenterSchecter GuitarsSynyster GatesNewsTue, 02 Jul 2013 21:13:01 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/18716NAMM 2013 Video: Schecter Hellwin Amp Press Conference with Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfoldhttp://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2013-video-schecter-hellwin-amp-press-conference-synyster-gates-avenged-sevenfold
<!--paging_filter--><p>Here's a <em>Guitar World</em> video from the 2013 Winter NAMM Show, which took place January 24 to 27 in Anaheim, California.</p>
<p>During the gear- and rain-filled weekend, we paid a visit to the gang at the Schecter Guitar Research booth to check out the company's new Hellwin Amp. It was designed by amp guru James Brown (far right in the video) for and with Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates.</p>
<p>For more about this amp, head to <a href="http://www.schecterguitars.com/News/20130115/261/Schecter-Amplification-is-proud-to-announce-the-debut-of-Synyster-Gates-HELLWIN-amplifier.aspx">schecterguitars.com.</a></p>
<p>Thanks for following along with our continuous NAMM 2013 coverage on Twitter during the NAMM Show! Even though the NAMM Show is over, be sure to follow <em>Guitar World</em> on <a href="https://twitter.com/GuitarWorld">Twitter right here.</a></p>
<p>For more GuitarWorld.com NAMM 2013 gear news, <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/tags/namm-2013">visit and bookmark our dedicated NAMM 2013 page here.</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/tags/namm-2013">[[ <em>Guitar World</em> at NAMM 2013: Gear updates, photo galleries, videos and more! ]]</a></strong></p>
<p><em>Photo: Damian Fanelli</em></p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kCFeqoR9RlQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2013-video-schecter-hellwin-amp-press-conference-synyster-gates-avenged-sevenfold#commentsAvenged SevenfoldNAMM 2013SchecterSchecter GuitarsSynyster GatesAmpsNewsGearFri, 01 Feb 2013 12:58:55 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/17710Name Recognition: 10 Essential Signature Model Guitarshttp://www.guitarworld.com/name-recognition-10-essential-signature-model-guitars
<!--paging_filter--><p>Ah, how young and innocent we all were when Fender introduced its first signature model — the Eric Clapton Stratocaster — in 1988.</p>
<p>Of course, Chet Atkins' name appeared on several Gretsch models (the Tennessean, for example) long before then, and let's not forget that Les Paul — the name that appears on millions of guitar headstocks across the world — was actually a person.</p>
<p>Today, new signature models seem to be popping up daily, each one "designed according to the artist's specifications." Almost every major manufacturer makes them for a host of artists from every genre of guitar-based music. This, of course, leaves players with a wealth of choices.</p>
<p>Below, however, is a list of 10 high-quality signature-model electric guitars that the respective artists can proudly sign their name to — 10 models that get it right.</p>
<p>As always, this list was compiled by a group of <em>Guitar World</em> editorial staffers including Technical Editor Paul Riario, the guy who tries out every piece of gear that arrives at <em>Guitar World</em>. The gear in this story is presented in no particular order. </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.evhgear.com/gear/subpage/?partno=5107900868">EVH Wolfgang USA Stealth</a></strong></p>
<p>Short of committing an act of grand theft Frankenstrat, the Wolfgang USA Stealth from EVH is the be-all, end-all Van Halen guitar for that moment you decide to try your hand at "Eruption." </p>
<p>Of the guitars on this list, the Wolfgang USA Stealth features, by far, the most responsive Floyd Rose system. (It should be noted that the EVH-branded Floyd Rose isn't a floating setup, so it can only be used for diving.)</p>
<p>As <em>Guitar World</em> reviewer Chris Gill wrote in our April 2012 issue, "Whether you're a metal shredder who wants super-sonic speed and nothing-but-black aesthetics or an EVH aficionado who craves the ultimate Van Halen playing experience, the EVH Stealth delivers like no other Wolfgang.</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>Eddie used the EVH Wolfgang USA Stealth throughout Van Halen's North American tour this year, but in case you missed them, here's our own Paul Riario to give you a demo:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ETAd43hMKhs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $3,999.99 | Visit <a href="http://www.evhgear.com/gear/subpage/?partno=5107900868">EVHGear.com</a> to learn more about this guitar.</em></p>
<p><strong>From its humble origins in the back of a small music store in London, Marshall Amplification has defined the sound of rock for generations of guitarists around the world. <em>The History of Marshall Amps: The First Fifty Years</em> by Michael Doyle and Nick Bowcott tells the story of Jim Marshall's remarkable life and documents the many innovations of Marshall amplifiers, from the famous “stack” to the most current offerings. <a href="http://store.guitarworld.com/collections/guitar-aficionado/products/the-history-of-marshall-amps/?&amp;utm_source=gw_homepage&amp;utm_medium=daily_scroller&amp;utm_campaign=SignatureGuitars">It's available at the Guitar World Online Store.</a></strong></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-FRM100">Ibanez Paul Gilbert FRM100</a></strong></p>
<p>Ibanez's Paul Gilbert model, the FRM100 (the TR often seen in the name refers to Translucent Red) takes the "signature" theme to a new level. After all, Gilbert pretty much designed this guitar himself. </p>
<p>"I designed the Fireman on my computer by taking a photo of an Ibanez Iceman and turning it upside-down in Adobe Photoshop," <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-guitarist-paul-gilbert-discusses-his-new-online-rock-guitar-school">Gilbert told GuitarWorld.com in May</a>. "Then I just worked out the extra details like adding the lower cutaway, angling the pickups, designing the pickguard shape and asking for a big, beefy neck joint. Ibanez brought the idea to life in their custom shop, and I fell in love with the guitar. The production model is killer. I used a factory sample for the whole Mr. Big tour last year."</p>
<p>The neck on Fireman is different than the previous RG shapes in the Gilbert signature series. It's thicker and fatter -- 22mm at the first fret and 24mm at the 12th fret. The three-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany neck offers a fat, tight sound and a solid grip. The pickups are DiMarzio Injectors in the bridge and neck and a DiMarzio Area '67 in the middle; they are designed with hum-cancelling construction to eliminate the noise but retain single-coil tone.</p>
<p>Other features include a mahogany body, medium frets and a Tight Tune bridge.</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>Here's an official Ibanez video starring Gilbert and the Fireman in action:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3m16qpehaIA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $1,199.99 | <a href="http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-FRM100">Visit Ibanez.com for more info about this guitar.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.espguitars.com/guitars/signature/kh-2-vintage.html">ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature Model</a></strong></p>
<p>Kirk Hammett adopted a Strat-style ESP between the recording of <em>...And Justice For All</em> and the band's mega-selling self-titled album, ditching the '74 Gibson Flying V he had relied so heavily on in the band's early years. "I used that V on every album prior to this one," Hammett told <em>Guitar World</em> in 1991, "but the ESP just sounded a bit rounder."</p>
<p>At Winter NAMM 2012, ESP introduced several new models to commemorate 25 years of partnership with Metallica's lead guitarist. In those 25 years, the essential Hammett signature model has to be the KH-2, which comes in a sleek black finish or the "vintage" look, which comes complete with "Caution: Hot" and "Kirk's Guitar" stickers.</p>
<p>The KH-2 also features a set of EMG pickups, a Floyd Rose Original bridge and a specially contoured neck that's perfect for nimble players.</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>There isn't an official video demo for the KH-2, but the nice thing about signature guitars is you can point to the artists themselves as examples. In this case, pop in a copy of the Black Album and you'll hear why Kirk fell in love with these guitars.</p>
<p><img src="http://dl.guitarworld.com/espkh2.jpg" width="620" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $3,285.00 | <a href="http://www.espguitars.com/guitars/signature/kh-2-vintage.html">Visit ESPGuitars.com for more on this guitar.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.prsguitars.com/santana/">PRS Guitars Santana Signature</a></strong></p>
<p>This model might be at the higher end of the price spectrum as far as this list is concerned, but it truly is a work of art. The guitar, the product of a longstanding creative partnership between Paul Reed Smith and Carlos Santana, comes standard with a maple top, mahogany back, rosewood fretboard, 24-fret mahogany neck, 24 1/2-inch-scale length and PRS tremolo.</p>
<p>The guitar also features PRS' relatively new V12 finish, a thin, hard and clear finish that doesn't crack or react with thinners. "PRS models with this new finish feel like old instruments," said Paul Reed Smith of the finish, which is halfway between acrylic and nitro.</p>
<p>Other features include a carved, figured maple top; inlaid purfling strips; custom bird inlays; a bound rosewood fretboard, nickel hardware; and a rosewood headstock veneer with an inlaid eagle. The pickups are specially designed Santana Treble and Bass models.</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>If you have some time, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTqbfWJVUDw">check out this Musician's Friend video featuring Santana and Paul Reed Smith</a> discussing guitar playing in general, Santana's thoughts about PRS, his signature model and other topics. </p>
<p>In terms of a helpful demo video, there are no videos available from PRS or <em>Guitar World</em>, and YouTube is particularly skimpy on the subject. Note that most of the available PRS Santana demo videos refer to the lower-priced SE model, and you can check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDyikttVXR0">Paul Riario's review of the SE right here.</a> Here's hoping PRS produces a video that explores the features of the higher-end signature model.</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/PRS.jpg" width="620" height="222" alt="PRS.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $5,000 | <a href="http://www.prsguitars.com/santana/">Visit prsguitars.com for more info about this guitar.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Les-Paul/Slash-Appetite-Les-Paul-Standard.aspx">Epiphone Limited Edition Slash Appetite Les Paul Standard</a></strong></p>
<p>Limited to just 3,000 copies, the limited-edition Slash "Appetite" Les Paul Standard is a more-affordable alternative to the Gibson model of the same name. </p>
<p>Modeled after the Kris Derrig-made Les Paul copy used by Slash on Guns N' Roses' classic <em>Appetite for the Destruction</em> album, the Slash Appetite Les Paul comes with two Seymour Duncan Slash Alnico II Pro humbuckers, a LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge and a neck profile created especially for the mad hatter himself.</p>
<p>“All things considered, with the original one, it just happened to have a certain sort of unique tone unto itself,” Slash said in a video from Gibson. “The new <em>Appetite for Destruction</em> guitar is about as close as anybody could get to the original.”</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>For a look at just how this guitar performs, check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c829NqdnX1o&amp;feature=plcp">this video</a> from Rainbow Music in Carlisle, England.</p>
<p><img src="http://dl.guitarworld.com/epiphoneslash.jpg" width="620" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $1,525 | <a href="http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Les-Paul/Slash-Appetite-Les-Paul-Standard.aspx">Visit Epiphone.com to learn more about this guitar</a></em></p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/dimebag_seriesML.php">Dimebag Dean From Hell CFH</a></strong></p>
<p>Like Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darrell has no shortage of worthy signature models to choose from. And while you can't go wrong with any axe from Dean's ML series, we had to pick just one, and the Dean From Hell CFH model gets the nod.</p>
<p>Featuring a set mahogany V-neck and all-black hardware (because bad guys wear black), the Dean From Hell's lightning-bolt graphic is pure, vintage Dime, a fitting reproduction of the guitar that graces the cover of Pantera's breakout album, <em>Cowboys From Hell</em>.</p>
<p>The Dean From Hell is equipped with a Floyd Rose Special bridge and Bill Lawrence XL500 pickups, making it a high-output monster perfect for shredders of all stripes. Getcha pull!</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>Paired with your preferred high-gain amp, the Dean from Hell chugs, wails and squeals just like a Dime signature guitar should.</p>
<p><img src="http://dl.guitarworld.com/deanfromhell.jpg" width="620" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $1,135.88 | <a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/dimebag_seriesML.php">Visit DeanGuitars.com to learn more about this guitar.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.fender.com/products/johnnymarrjaguar">Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar</a></strong></p>
<p>The ultra-cool Fender Jaguar never really got the widespread, mainstream appreciation it deserves; perhaps that's because of the model's supposedly confusing control layout. Get ready to throw that excuse out the window and give the Jag another shot. This new model developed by Fender for Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The Cribs, Modest Mouse) features some terrific updates.</p>
<p>For starters, it features a four-position blade-style pickup switch (bridge; bridge and neck in parallel; neck, bridge, and neck in series), plus two upper-horn slide switches that control pickup brightness. The pickups are custom-wound, Bare Knuckle Johnny Marr single-coil neck and bridge models. The maple neck is custom-shaped maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard that's based on Marr’s '65 Jag.</p>
<p>Other features include nylon bridge post inserts for improved stability, a “taller” tremolo arm with arm-sleeve nylon insert to prevent arm swing, 22 vintage-style frets; a 24-inch-scale neck, chrome hardware and a vintage-style truss rod.</p>
<p><em>Guitar World</em> gear reviewer Chris Gill calls it "the best Jaguar that the company has ever produced" — and there's no denying this guitar looks killer in Olympic White.</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>Here are two videos that'll fill in the blanks about this guitar. The first one is an official Fender video featuring Marr; the second one features GW's Paul Riario.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sPoUB9qBdg4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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<em>MSRP: $4,100 | <a href="http://www.fender.com/products/johnnymarrjaguar">Visit fender.com for more info about this guitar.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.music-man.com/instruments/guitars/jp12.html">Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci JP12</a></strong></p>
<p>The latest guitar to spring from Music Man's longstanding partnership with Dream Theater's John Petrucci, the JP12 is a road-ready guitar featuring a veritable shredder's toolbox of features.</p>
<p>The JP-12 (which we should also mention comes in a 7-string model) comes stock with a custom John Petrucci Music Man Piezo floating tremolo. A DiMarzio Crunch Lab pickup sits in the bridge position with a DiMarzio Liquifire pickup in the neck position, giving you loads of clarity and output. </p>
<p>The guitar's ebony fretboard plays fast for ultra-fluid legato work and clean sweeps, making the only limitation on the JP12 how fast your hands can move while playing <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/romancing-fretboard-chopin-arranged-guitar-part-1">Chopin's Piano Concerto in A minor, Opus No. 2</a>.</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>In the below video, Petrucci shows off the capabilities of his newest signature model:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/6VZEa8O1Hns" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $3,500 | <a href="http://www.music-man.com/instruments/guitars/jp12.html">Visit Music-Man.com to learn more about this guitar</a></em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.gretschguitars.com/products/index.php?partno=2400112809">Gretsch G6120TV Brian Setzer Hot Rod</a></strong></p>
<p>Gretsch makes a slew of beautiful Brian Setzer signature models, most of which are variations of a traditional 6120 Nashville. And then there's the Brian Setzer Hot Rod model, which is basically the Nashville's evil, mean twin, a guitar with a one-track mind. This is a Gretsch that's ready for rockin' right out of the box.</p>
<p>As Gretsch puts it, the Hot Rod is stripped down and built for speed. You get one three-position pickup switch, a single master-volume control and two TV Jones-designed Hot Rod Filter’Tron pickups that crank out some fiery tones. </p>
<p>Other features include a full 16-inch single-cutaway, bound, hollow body; a 1959-style trestle bracing and F holes; a two-piece rock maple neck with a bound ebony fingerboard; Sperzel locking tuners; pinned Adjusto-Matic bridge; chrome hardware and a Bigsby B6C vibrato tailpiece. </p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>Once again, here's our own Paul Riario in a GW video from 2007:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="465" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bnvV4AUfeWw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $3,600 | <a href="http://www.gretschguitars.com/products/index.php?partno=2400112809">Visit gretschguitars.com for more info about this guitar.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><a href="http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/guitar/synyster-gates-Custom.aspx">Schecter Synyster Gates Custom</a></strong></p>
<p>The Synyster Gates Custom is a mean-looking guitar with an original body shape, an eye-catching headstock and a cool "deathbat" inlay. </p>
<p>But what really makes the guitar stand out are the Seymour Duncan Custom Syn Invaders pickups, which produce the heaviest tones a passive pickup can produce. They feature three ceramic magnets, over-wound coils and 12 chrome cap screws. Sustainiac Driver/Pickup produces solid humbucker tones when the Sustain switch is off and works as the Sustainiac Driver when switched on.The Sustainiac Driver creates an infinite feedback sustain of string vibrations by electromagnetic feedback. </p>
<p>And then there's the ebony fretboard. According to Schecter Guitar Research, "Ebony has a snappy, crisp attack with the density of maple, but with more brittle grains, oilier pores and a stronger fundamental tone than maple. It has a tremendous amount of percussive overtones in the pick attack, that mute out shortly thereafter to foster great, long, sustain."</p>
<p>Other features include a mahogany body, a 25.5-inch-scale three-piece mahogany neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets, a Floyd Rose 100 Series bridge and Grover tuners. It's an axe worthy of the Avenged Sevenfold guitarist.</p>
<p><strong>What does it sound like?</strong> </p>
<p>Although <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=oCktx_pDWoI">this video wasn't created by Schecter Guitar Research</a> or <em>Guitar World</em>, it does an OK job of demonstrating the guitar's many features — especially if you skip to around 2:06.</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/Gates620.jpg" width="620" height="224" alt="Gates620.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $1,649 | <a href="http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/guitar/synyster-gates-Custom.aspx">Visit schecterguitars.com for more info about this guitar.</a></em></p>
<fieldset class="fieldgroup group-additional-content"><legend>Additional Content</legend><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-related-artist">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Related Artist:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<a href="/paul-gilbert">Paul Gilbert</a> </div>
<div class="field-item even">
<a href="/brian-setzer">Brian Setzer</a> </div>
<div class="field-item odd">
<a href="/carlos-santana">Carlos Santana</a> </div>
<div class="field-item even">
<a href="/metallica">Metallica</a> </div>
<div class="field-item odd">
<a href="/john-petrucci">John Petrucci</a> </div>
<div class="field-item even">
<a href="/dimebag-darrell">Dimebag Darrell</a> </div>
<div class="field-item odd">
<a href="/slash">Slash</a> </div>
<div class="field-item even">
<a href="/eddie-van-halen">Eddie Van Halen</a> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.guitarworld.com/name-recognition-10-essential-signature-model-guitars#commentsBrian SetzerCarlos SantanaFenderGretschIbanezJohnny MarrKirk HammettPaul GilbertPaul Reed SmithPRSSchecterSchecter GuitarsSynyster GatesElectric GuitarsNewsFeaturesGearMon, 28 Jan 2013 11:19:39 +0000Damian Fanelli, Josh Harthttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/16975NAMM 2013: Schecter Introduces Hellwin Series Amps by Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfoldhttp://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2013-schecter-introduces-hellwin-series-amps-synyster-gates-avenged-sevenfold
<!--paging_filter--><p>Schecter Amplification has introduced its new Hellwin series of guitar amps, a collaboration between Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates and Schecter. </p>
<p>The Hellwin USA 100 is the initial entry in the Hellwin series, a line of products that Schecter Amplification plans to bring to market with Gates over the coming years. </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/tags/namm-2013">[[ Keep up with Guitar World's NAMM 2013 coverage right here! ]]</a></strong></p>
<p>"As soon as we started building amps, working with Synyster on his own designs seemed like a natural step after the nearly 10-year relationship we have shared," said Schecter Executive Vice President Marc LaCorte. </p>
<p>"After years of trying to get all of the tone, playability and versatility I wanted in an amp, I turned to my friends at Schecter and legendary amp designer James Brown. Together we have created Hellwin, a line of amps engineered to sound and perform at the highest level whether you're on the big stage or in your garage," Gates added.</p>
<p>The first amp in the Hellwin series is the Hellwin USA 100, a custom-designed, all-tube model. Working in conjunction with amplifier guru James Brown, Gates set out to design an amp that not only captured his unique tone, but also would prove to be an important asset to players of all styles in their studio and live work. </p>
<p><strong>About the Hellwin USA 100 Amplifier:</strong></p>
<p>• Made in U.S.A.<br />
• A collaboration between Synyster Gates and Schecter Amplification<br />
• Co-created with renowned amp designer James Brown, the Hellwin has rich bloodlines and is destined to be a rock classic.<br />
• 100 watt / All Tube Design (MIDI Switchable)<br />
• Three Channels w/ Independent EQ and Gain Boost<br />
• Front Panel Custom Noise Gate<br />
• Innovative Active/Passive inputs<br />
• 4 position 'Focus' Control</p>
<p><strong>Matching 4x12 Speaker Cabinets are also available:</strong></p>
<p>• Four Celestion Vintage-30 Speakers 16ohm<br />
• Baltic Birch Solid Construction<br />
• Mono or Stereo<br />
• Angle and Straight design</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.schecterguitars.com/Default.aspx">schecterguitars.com</a>.</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/Screen%20Shot%202013-01-24%20at%209.05.39%20AM.png" width="620" height="304" alt="Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 9.05.39 AM.png" /></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2013-schecter-introduces-hellwin-series-amps-synyster-gates-avenged-sevenfold#commentsAvenged SevenfoldNAMM 2013SchecterSynyster GatesAmpsNewsGearThu, 24 Jan 2013 14:11:25 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/17648Photos: Avenged Sevenfold at Orion Music + More 2012http://www.guitarworld.com/photos-avenged-sevenfold-orion-music-more-2012
<!--paging_filter--><p>This past weekend marked the historic, inaugural Orion Music + More festival, which took place at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey.</p>
<p>On Sunday night, Avenged Sevenfold capped off the action of the festival's Fuel stage with a fiery set of hit after hit. While drawing a slot right before Metallica wasn't exactly ideal this past weekend (Just ask Arctic Monkeys), Avenged managed to draw perhaps the second-largest crowds behind the festival's hosts, thanks in part to their trademark, energetic stage show — not to mention enough fireworks for a small 4th of July celebration.</p>
<p>You can read a full recap of the weekend's festivities <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/report-metallica-triumph-first-annual-orion-music-more-festival">here</a> and check out a gallery of A7X's action-packed set at Orion below.</p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/photos-avenged-sevenfold-orion-music-more-2012#commentsAvenged SevenfoldSynyster GatesGalleriesNewsWed, 27 Jun 2012 19:45:26 +0000Josh Harthttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/16148Contest: Win a Signed Synyster Gates Custom Guitar from Schecterhttp://www.guitarworld.com/contest-win-signed-synyster-gates-custom-guitar-schecter
<!--paging_filter--><p>The Seymour Duncan Invader has a well-earned reputation as the most aggressive passive pickup ever. </p>
<p>It's the first choice for metal, punk and rock players who seek maximum power and sustain without switching over to a battery-powered active system. </p>
<p>Now this high-gain classic gets a visual makeover inspired by longtime Invader user Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold. Synyster Gates Invaders sport eye-catching chrome-plated pole pieces in place of the original black ones. They are also offered with gold and white pole pieces. </p>
<p>Synyster Gates Invaders are available in a Trembucker-spaced bridge version and a standard-spaced neck version. They're the same ones used in Schecter Guitar Research's Special Edition Synyster Custom model. Neck and bridge pickups are sold individually and as a set. </p>
<p>Synyster Gates Invaders have all the amp-pummeling power of the original Invader, thanks to their triple ceramic magnets, overwound coils, and the extra-wide magnetic field generated by 12 oversized cap screws. Non-active pickups simply don't get more powerful than this — they're passive and massive.</p>
<p><strong>To help celebrate the launch of this pickup we have teamed up with Schecter Guitars to launch the Summer of Syn Giveaway. Here is your chance to win a signed Synyster Gates Custom Guitar from Schecter featuring the Seymour Duncan Synyster Gates Invader. </strong></p>
<p>You can enter by visiting these links:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/seymourduncanpickups/app_121121694568521">Seymour Duncan on Facebook</a> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Schecter-Guitars/131382650211888?sk=app_192229990808929">Schecter Guitars on Facebook</a>.</p>
<p>For more about the Synyster Gates Invader pickups, <a href="http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/electric/humbucker/high-output/synyster_gates/">head here.</a></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/contest-win-signed-synyster-gates-custom-guitar-schecter#commentsAvenged SevenfoldContestSchecterSchecter GuitarsSynyster GatesNewsThu, 26 Apr 2012 18:02:47 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/15503Photo Gallery: Schecter Releases Synyster Gates Custom-S Guitarhttp://www.guitarworld.com/photo-gallery-schecter-releases-synyster-gates-custom-s-guitar
<!--paging_filter--><p>Schecter Guitars has announced the release of the Synyster Gates Custom-S, a guitar that has been on the company's drawing board for years. </p>
<p>The guitar will be available in January 2012.</p>
<p>This new Gates guitar features all the specs <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/photo-gallery-avenged-sevenfold-signature-model-schecter-guitars">used on his signature model</a> plus something special that Gates has called his "secret weapon” -- the Sustainiac Stealth. This pickup system sits in place of the neck humbucker (See photo gallery below) and provides controlled feedback-sustain at all levels. </p>
<p>“It adds incredible depth and nuance to my playing as well as my approach to song orchestration,” says Gates, who provides the heavy guitar attack as a member of Avenged Sevenfold.</p>
<p>The guitar also includes a mahogany Avenger body with set-in 25.5-inch-scale mahogany neck, a 24-fret ebony fingerboard, a Floyd Rose 1000 locking tremolo system and a Seymour Duncan Custom Syn Invader humbucker. The Sustainiac Stealth system also functions as a single-coil pickup in the neck position and features harmonic mode and on/off mini-toggles.</p>
<p>The guitar is available in Gates' popular black and silver pinstripe design. The MSRP is $1,649. <a href="http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/Guitar/SYNYSTER-GATES-CUSTOM-S.aspx">For more about this model, including all the specs, head to schecterguitars.com</a>.</p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/photo-gallery-schecter-releases-synyster-gates-custom-s-guitar#commentsAvenged SevenfoldSchecterSynyster GatesElectric GuitarsNewsFeaturesGearFri, 25 Nov 2011 20:58:08 +0000Damian Fanellihttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/13586In Deep: Avenged Sevenfoldhttp://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>This video is bonus content related to the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World<em>. For full print reviews, lesson tabs and more, please see the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World. <a href="http://secure.nps1.net/guitarworld/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=9&amp;products_id=177">It's available now at the Guitar World online store.</a></p>
<p>In this series of videos, <em>Guitar World</em>'s Andy Aledort examines the twin guitar attack of Avenged Sevenfold guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates, including their signature tunings, the methods used to formulate their rhythm guitar parts and the construction of their harmonized lead lines.</p>
<p><strong>Figures 1-3</strong></p>
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<strong>Lesson Contents</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold">Figures 1-3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,1">Figures 4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,2">Figures 6-7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,3">Figures 8-9</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,4">Figure 10</a></p>
<hr />
<em>This video is bonus content related to the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World<em>. For full print reviews, lesson tabs and more, please see the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World. <a href="http://secure.nps1.net/guitarworld/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=9&amp;products_id=177">It's available now at the Guitar World online store.</a>
<p>In this series of videos, <em>Guitar World</em>'s Andy Aledort examines the twin guitar attack of Avenged Sevenfold guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates, including their signature tunings, the methods used to formulate their rhythm guitar parts and the construction of their harmonized lead lines.</p>
<p><strong>Figures 4-5</strong></p>
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<strong>Lesson Contents</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold">Figures 1-3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,1">Figures 4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,2">Figures 6-7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,3">Figures 8-9</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,4">Figure 10</a></p>
<hr />
<em>This video is bonus content related to the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World<em>. For full print reviews, lesson tabs and more, please see the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World. <a href="http://secure.nps1.net/guitarworld/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=9&amp;products_id=177">It's available now at the Guitar World online store.</a>
<p>In this series of videos, <em>Guitar World</em>'s Andy Aledort examines the twin guitar attack of Avenged Sevenfold guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates, including their signature tunings, the methods used to formulate their rhythm guitar parts and the construction of their harmonized lead lines.</p>
<p><strong>Figures 6-7</strong></p>
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<strong>Lesson Contents</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold">Figures 1-3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,1">Figures 4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,2">Figures 6-7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,3">Figures 8-9</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,4">Figure 10</a></p>
<hr />
<em>This video is bonus content related to the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World<em>. For full print reviews, lesson tabs and more, please see the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World. <a href="http://secure.nps1.net/guitarworld/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=9&amp;products_id=177">It's available now at the Guitar World online store.</a>
<p>In this series of videos, <em>Guitar World</em>'s Andy Aledort examines the twin guitar attack of Avenged Sevenfold guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates, including their signature tunings, the methods used to formulate their rhythm guitar parts and the construction of their harmonized lead lines.</p>
<p><strong>Figures 8-9</strong></p>
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<strong>Lesson Contents</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold">Figures 1-3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,1">Figures 4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,2">Figures 6-7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,3">Figures 8-9</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,4">Figure 10</a></p>
<hr />
<em>This video is bonus content related to the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World<em>. For full print reviews, lesson tabs and more, please see the February 2011 issue of </em>Guitar World. <a href="http://secure.nps1.net/guitarworld/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=9&amp;products_id=177">It's available now at the Guitar World online store.</a>
<p>In this series of videos, <em>Guitar World</em>'s Andy Aledort examines the twin guitar attack of Avenged Sevenfold guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates, including their signature tunings, the methods used to formulate their rhythm guitar parts and the construction of their harmonized lead lines.</p>
<p><strong>Figure 10</strong></p>
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<strong>Lesson Contents</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold">Figures 1-3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,1">Figures 4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,2">Figures 6-7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,3">Figures 8-9</a><br />
<a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold?page=0,4">Figure 10</a></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/in-deep-avenged-sevenfold#commentsAndy AledortAvenged SevenfoldGuitar World September 2011Synyster GatesLessonsFri, 08 Jul 2011 16:25:26 +0000Andy Aledorthttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/11570Avenged Sevenfold on Developing Rhythm Guitar Skillshttp://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfold-developing-rhythm-guitar-skills
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>In this classic </em>Guitar World<em> lesson, Avenged Sevenfold guitarists Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance show you their most trusted dual-guitar techniques. This week: developing your rhythm guitar skills.</em></p>
<p>ZACKY VENGEANCE: I’ve been influenced by all kinds of different music. As primarily a rhythm player, I’ve come to understand the importance of rhythm guitar. Some players don’t appreciate how important rhythm guitar is and how a good rhythm guitarist will hold everything together. I’ve had the chance to watch Metallica’s James Hetfield from the side of the stage night after night, listening to his monitors, and his playing is so perfect. Slash is an amazing lead guitarist, but when you listen to his rhythm playing you can hear how he pulls everything together with such a great feel, which is the most important thing. </p>
<p>Rhythm guitar is such an important aspect of playing in any band, because good rhythm will mesh everything together. That’s what we try to do in Avenged Sevenfold.</p>
<p>SYNYSTER GATES: When I joined this band, I couldn’t play rhythm guitar worth a shit! I had to practice rhythm guitar, and it was a totally different discipline from soloing; when you’re used to noodling all the time, it’s hard to get in the mindset of working strictly on rhythm. Zacky and I helped each other by mixing and matching elements of our playing styles. In the process, we kind of became hybrids of one another. We started listening to the groove much more, instead of thinking like a bunch of snobby guitar geeks. </p>
<p>VENGEANCE: A great way to get your rhythm playing together is to work with a drummer, preferably someone that has a good groove and plays solidly in time.</p>
<p>GATES: Playing with a good drummer, like the Rev, makes our lives so much easier. It’s impossible to play with a bad drummer. We’ve been playing with the Rev practically our whole lives, and he’s always had a great groove. Even when he was developing his chops, his groove was always there. That made it easy for us to lay down our parts, because we didn’t have to worry that we would be out of time. The groove has always felt natural for us because he’s so tight. </p>
<p>Plus, playing with a great drummer provides for a much more enjoyable experience. We can lay back and play a great show for ourselves and our fans, without having to look back at the dickhead that keeps ruining the song.</p>
<p>VENGEANCE: The most important aspect of rhythm guitar is to have control of the strumming hand. Palm muting [resting the edge of the pick-hand palm across the strings at the bridge] is a very important part of my rhythm guitar style. You can do so much with just the two lowest strings, like this [FIGURE 1]: using drop-D tuning [the sixth string is tuned down one whole step from E to D], I’m using the open low D as a palm-muted pedal tone while playing a D minor-type melody on the A string. I’m using all downstrokes, and the palm-muted sixth string provides a percussive element This is a simple riff, and it’s a good one to use to build up speed, strength and stamina with the pick hand. </p>
<p>The goal is to tighten up the rhythm of the downstrokes. This exercise [FIGURE 2] forces you to work on playing evenly picked, palm-muted eighth notes on the sixth string, alternating with a melodic line on the fifth string. Be sure to use all four fret-hand fingers when playing this riff so you can build up the strength and independence you’ll need to shred like Synyster does. </p>
<p><img src="http://www.guitaraficionado.com/GW/a7x_1.jpg" /></p>
<p>When I first started to play, I used downstrokes all the time—very punk rock. It wasn’t until I started working with Synyster that I began to get my alternate picking together. I recommend alternate picking in order to build up speed, but being able to use downpicking for fast rhythm parts is essential, too. Working on both techniques will help develop speed with your palm-muting technique, so you’ll be able to play something like this [FIGURE 3] fast and in time with the drummer. </p>
<p><img src="http://www.guitaraficionado.com/GW/a7x_3.jpg" /></p>
<p>Here’s another good example of a palm-muted rhythm part that should lock in nicely with the drums [FIGURE 4]. Switching between muting and not muting in this way will make the part groove better and sound more interesting, too.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.guitaraficionado.com/GW/a7x_4.jpg" /></p>
<p>GATES: A lot of metal rhythm guitar stuff is like this [FIGURE 5]. Precise picking and palm-muting gives the part the edge that it needs to be effective. When practicing, it’s great to break a part down into its different elements, start slowly and then try to build up the speed until you’re playing as fast as you possibly can. </p>
<p><img src="http://www.guitaraficionado.com/GW/a7x_5.jpg" /></p>
<p>I think it’s beneficial to practice with a metronome or drum machine in order to strengthen your sense of time. It will help your concept of time and improve your feel. Plus, it will tighten up your playing right away. It’s not like it takes years of work with a metronome to improve your time. You just need to be aware of it. </p>
<p>VENGEANCE: Another good approach is to pick up the tablature for a song you like, figure it out and play along with the record. You’ll start to develop the characteristics of the players that you like. If you do that with enough bands, over time you’ll develop a great repertoire from which you can form your own playing style. </p>
<p>GATES: I’m a big fan of doing things that will help you find new ways to listen, and transcribing is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Using existing transcriptions from magazines is great, but I think it’s also important to try to learn songs completely by ear. When you think you’ve got it, go buy the tab and check yourself against it. </p>
<p><strong>PLAYING UNISON RIFFS WITH DRUMS</strong></p>
<p>GATES: We have a lot of riffs that are rhythmically doubled by the drums. After we’ve written the parts, we’ll present them to the Rev and let him go. A drummer of his caliber will usually lay down the right thing. Then we’ll jam out the parts and develop the arrangement from there.</p>
<p>VENGEANCE: Everyone in the band writes, and our drummer has written stuff like this [FIGURE 6]. It’s pretty straightforward, but what makes it cool is the beat he chose to play behind it. He makes the riff, and the song, sound exciting by the part he plays in sync with it, which is an essential part of what makes our band work effectively. That was a riff we might have thrown away if the Rev hadn’t had such a great vision for it.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.guitaraficionado.com/GW/a7x_6.jpg" /></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/avenged-sevenfold-developing-rhythm-guitar-skills#commentsAvenged SevenfoldGuitar World September 2011Synyster GatesZacky VengeanceLessonsWed, 29 Jun 2011 15:25:32 +0000Andy Aledorthttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/11445